Mary Knuth Otto
Class Year: 1963
Current City/State: Norwich, VT
Major: English
Email Address: maryotto13@gmail.com
Committee(s): Adhoc Civility Committee
Why I Wanted to Serve on the Alumni Council:
The longer I am an alum, the more I recognize that being a Grinnellian is, for many of us, a lifetime identity. Since graduation many years ago, I have maintained a close connection with classmates as well as with the College, and I've regularly taken advantage of opportunities to do more when I find them. Being a class agent has been fun and rewarding, and joining the Alumni Council has enriched my association with the College and broadened my engagement with alums. I also love participating with a varied group of dedicated Grinnellians on a regular basis, through our work together on the Council.
A Quote I Like:
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
―Mary Oliver
A Little Bit About Me:
Following my retirement as an English teacher and director of an alternative school in Scarsdale, NY, my husband and I moved to VT to be closer to family. Here I have redefined "work" as being a community volunteer, connecting me with the Norwich Library, the Montshire Museum of Science, the VT Humanities Council, and the lifelong education program OSHER at Dartmouth, where I teach creative nonfiction writing courses. VT is a great place to continue my favorite outdoor activities of walking, biking, and cross country skiing, and it's not far from our family summer cabin in Boothbay Harbor, ME.
Other Alumni Involvement: Class Agent; Reunion Planning Committee; Grasp Volunteer
*To access Mary's Grinnell Connect Profile, you must already be a member of the site. If you are not, register here.